Connor To Be Treated Like A King

Here at Burnley Football Club, we were delighted to learn this week that Academy U15 goalkeeper, Connor King has received a call up to an Under 16 England training camp at St. Georges Park.

Connor, who is in his third season with the Academy, has been invited to attend the four-day session from Monday 19th August, overseen by U16s Head Coach Kenny Swain, his assistant, Noel Blake, and a team of well respected and qualified coaches.

During his time with us, Connor has performed at a consistently high level which has seen him play in the age group above his own numerous times.

Half way through last season, a combination of Connor’s potential and his continued positive performance lead the Academy to offer him a pre-scholarship agreement, which he happily signed.

Last season saw the introduction of a School Release Programme which has enabled the coaching staff to get more contact time with the Under 15 and 16 age groups. This contact time for Connor has increased during the school holidays where he has gained valuable experience through the interaction with the senior goalkeeping environment.

Head of Academy Goalkeeping Craig Mawson has worked closely with Connor since he signed for the Academy.

Craig offered valuable advice to Connor ahead of his England experience. He said: “Connor is a level-headed lad and will go to St Georges Park without any fear.

“We, in the Academy, have encouraged him to express himself during his time with England and to listen carefully to the national team coaches.”

Reflecting on Connor’s call up, Craig added: ‘This is a terrific acknowledgement for Connor and his family for the hard work they have put in over the last two years. We want to make sure this is the first of many experiences for him with the national team set up.”

One of the strengths of the Academy here at Burnley Football Club is its close links with the first team environment.

Goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer was in attendance when Connor and his father, Steve, attended Gawthorpe to be notified of the call up.

Billy was keen to congratulate them both, insisting: “This is a tremendous recognition for Connor, his family and the Academy staff.

“It is important to use this experience as a catalyst to continue Connor’s development and remain focused upon his ambition to become a first team professional goalkeeper.”

On behalf of everyone at Turf Moor, we wish Connor well in his development.